Sushma Reddy

RESEARCH INTERESTS

My research covers a broad range of topics related to evolution and genetics, primarily using birds as the subject. To date, these subjects include molecular evolution, phylogenetics, biogeography, diversification, patterns of diversity, and conservation. In terms of evolutionary genetics, my research scope includes divergences within species groups to the entire class Aves, utilizing both genomic-scale data and ancient/historical DNA techniques. My two main research programs involve deciphering the deep branches of the avian tree of life and using genetic data to examine species-limits and diversification across tropical Asia. Additional interests focus on issues of biogeography, particularly the geography of speciation, and biodiversity conservation. In my lab, we use DNA sequence data to reconstruct evolutionary history. We also compare the genetic signal to other aspects such as morphological characters to examine the correlation of genotype and phenotype as well as species ranges to examine gene flow, distributional patterns, and the potential impact of the various geological and climatic changes on diversification.

Current Research:The Avian Tree of Life:The diversification of birds is postulated to have occurred very rapidly, with the modern orders originating at roughly similar times. This pattern of radiation has led to enormous difficulty deciphering deep avian relationships. Our approach is to assemble a large genomic dataset to analyze the phylogeny of this diverse radiation (Hackett et al. 2008; Harshman et al. 2008; Kimball et al. 2009; Han et al. 2010).

Phylogenetics and Biogeography of Babblers (Timallidae):The avifauna of southern Asia is one of the most diverse in the world, with tremendous species richness and endemism. Yet, despite some early interest from avian taxonomists and biogeographers, the Asian tropics have been the focus of relatively little modern systematic study. My studies show that genetic information is vital to untangle the confusion caused by traditional taxonomy of Asian birds, which underestimates species diversity more than four-fold (see Reddy and Cracraft 2007; Reddy 2008).

Biogeography and Biodiversity Conservation:Biogeographic theory and practical studies have mostly focused on island systems, while less emphasis has been placed on examining the accumulation of species on continental systems. I am particularly interested in patterns of diversity and diversification across continental regions (see Reddy and Davalos 2003; Reddy 2005; Raxworthy et al. 2008; Reddy and Cracraft, 2007).